If you have this guide in hand, your child may have just come out as trans – transgender or transsexual. This is big news, and you are likely feeling some of the common feelings parents initially report: shock, disbelief, fear, grief, anger, or shame. You might feel like your world has been turned upside down. You might feel very alone. You might have a lot of questions. That’s why we wrote this guide

The Q List is OUTSaskatoon's vast and varied referral list to direct you to businesses, organizations, professionals, and healthcare providers that are safe and supportive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two spirit, intersex, and queer people. All listed individuals and organizations have reported that they are knowledgeable of gender and sexual diversity, are comfortable working with LGBT2IQ people, and are open to expanding their client and coworker base to the queer community.

Rainbow Coffee is a queer youth group run by OUTSaskatoon's Youth & Education Coordinator. Rainbow Coffee is a city-wide network of queer youth who are looking for community and friendship. It's a great place for your child to find support, resources, and to meet other youth who are going through similar challenges. The group runs every Wednesday, during the school year, from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

This e-care package is full of advice, support, resources, and self-care for parents and family members of LGBTQ people everywhere.

When you sign up for “Coming Out With Care,” you (or your parent) will get an e-mail full of love and support, including: - A welcome video by My Kid Is Gay - Advice on common queries such as “Should I tell other people?” “Is this a phase?” and “How do I reconcile my child’s identity with my religion?”- A list of curated LGBTQ support organizations- A guided journaling and coloring page - An exclusive excerpt from "This Is a Book for Parents of Gay Kids" - A music playlist

Every day, PFLAG Canada volunteers are contacted by frightened adolescents and by angry, fearful or ashamed parents. PFLAG Canada supports, educates and provides resources to anyone with questions or concerns. Just call us.

The Family Acceptance Project™ is a research, intervention, education and policy initiative that works to prevent health and mental health risks for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) children and youth, including suicide, homelessness and HIV – in the context of their families, cultures and faith communities. We use a research-based, culturally grounded approach to help ethnically, socially and religiously diverse families to support their LGBT children.

Started by the proud mom of a gender creative gay son, we support families and caregivers raising children and youth of diverse gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations. We provide resources for schools, providers and organizations to create safe spaces for all children and youth and support for families and caregivers.

Rainbow Families is a social and support group at OUTSaskatoon for LGBTQ families, caregivers, allies and children to gather once a month to share a hearty meal and create lasting connections and friendships.

Websites

Film

The story of punk rock singer Laura Jane Grace of Against Me! who came out as a woman in 2012, and other members of the trans community whose experiences are woefully underrepresented and misunderstood in the media.

Actress and trans advocate Laverne Cox presents an eye-opening documentary about seven brave transgender youth who are showing the world what it means to defy expectations and live their lives - and truth - as authentically as possible.